GMC YUKON · model year

2020 GMC YUKON

27 NHTSA complaints, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020GMCYUKON carries 27 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 YUKON is power train with 9 filings, followed by engine (7) and unknown or other (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2020 YUKON. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

27
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 GMC YUKON - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 GMC YUKON. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

27 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN9
ENGINE7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
SEAT BELTS1
BACK OVER PREVENTION1
TIRES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1

Recalls (3)

21V11500025/02/2021

TIRES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental

19V76100024/10/2019

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is tra

19V83700021/11/2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.

Recent Complaints

20260204ENGINE

MISFIRE ON #6 CYLINDER. DIAGNOSIS REVEALED THE INTAKE VALVE IS NOT OPENING DUE TO COLLAPSED VALVE LIFTER. No message prior to engine light coming on and car shaking after driving back from the store (speed less than 45 MPH).

20260128ENGINE

I purchased my 2020 Yukon Denali on July 8, 2024 from Classic Buick GMC in Painesville, Ohio. The check engine light started going on and off a few months after purchasing the vehicle. When I called a mechanic he stated that I should wait until the light is on and then bring in the vehicle. In early May 2025, I took my vehicle to Mike’s Automotive in Middlefield, Ohio after the check engine light began coming on during extended drives (approximately five hours or more). The shop ran a diagnostic scan and advised that the oil pump needed to be replaced. Seeking another opinion, on May 14, 2025, I brought my vehicle to Classic Buick GMC Service, the dealership where I purchased my GMC Yukon. After diagnosing the vehicle, they advised that the check engine light was related to an Engine Oil Pressure Control Solenoid stuck in the off position (P06DD). This fix would cost $3,584. This fix would require the oil pump to be replaced as indicated by the previous repair shop. On Ma

20260123POWER TRAIN

Transmission started slipping a little and then literally stopped working all with in an hour. And was doa in the parking lot.

20260108ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence, the contact exited the vehicle and discovered white smoke coming from the exhaust and started to smell coolant and then discovered that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant, and the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact’s husband and son, who were knowledgeable about vehicles, had self-diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head gasket or the lifters might need to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions and the contact consistently added coolant; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated every 300 miles once again. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagno

Mileage: 52,000

20251125ENGINE

I purchased a new 2020 GMC Yukon in May of 2020. Between May 2020 and November 2025 the vehicle was routinely serviced on or before the due date recommend by the manufacturer. I had not experienced issues with the vehicle until November 2020 when the check engine light abruptly appeared and the vehicle began driving very rough. I immediately took the vehicle to the local mechanic who identified two codes (P0300 and P050D) related to the engine issues. The vehicle was towed to the dealership due to the fact that I was instructed it was unsafe to drive long distances without additional diagnostics. The dealership disassembled the engine and found coolant leaking into cylinder six. There were no cracks or otherwise clear means of entry for the coolant into the engine. The dealership instructed us that we would need a complete engine replacement. Upon further research of this issue, it was uncovered that a Service Bulletin had been issued for this very issue. The reference number is 20-NA-

20251118ENGINE

total engine failure with 90,000 miles on the car.

20251104ENGINE

We purchased the vehicle used in April 2025 with 79,851 miles. All service records were documented via Carfax. Vehicle was in impeccable condition. We drove it for approx. 8,000 miles until July 10, 2025, when a loud knocking sound started coming from the engine - approx. mileage 87,600. We drove the vehicle home 350 miles. The knocking sound continued and got slightly worse. We drove it to the nearest dealer (30 miles) and the mechanic said it sounded like a camshaft problem. However, they could not get it in for over 60 days. We drove to another dealer (45 miles). The mechanic said he thought the entire engine was bad. We left the vehicle there and about a week later they were able to confirm that it was TOTAL BEARING FAILURE. Mileage 88,054. We were told that a new engine was needed as well as a radiator and new oil lines, etc. Total estimate $18,000. They also said there was no timeline they could guarantee because of the current GM recall. Of particular note and concern...at no ti

20251004ENGINE

My vehicle went from driving perfectly to startling and not going pass 45 in a matter of two days. I was getting all maintenance done at dealer always on time had just service it. When all of a sudden it started making a jerking/ skipping feel as if I was accelerating too hard. Took it to get checked and the code that came up was (TCC)torque converter clutch. I spent 6000 to rebuild the transmission and kno the engine has a tap tap noise. Once again I took it in and now it’s the lifters in the engine. No warning light have ever popped up

20251004UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My vehicle went from driving perfectly to startling and not going pass 45 in a matter of two days. I was getting all maintenance done at dealer always on time had just service it. When all of a sudden it started making a jerking/ skipping feel as if I was accelerating too hard. Took it to get checked and the code that came up was (TCC)torque converter clutch. I spent 6000 to rebuild the transmission and kno the engine has a tap tap noise. Once again I took it in and now it’s the lifters in the engine. No warning light have ever popped up

20250709ENGINE

While driving to Lake Placid, NY, I experienced sudden loss of propulsion as I was driving approximately 60 mph. I was able to brake and pull over to the shoulder. I was not able to restart the vehicle - engine was dead. We were flat bed towed to a garage in Lake Placid where it was confirmed that the engine was inoperable. The vehicle is now at. GM dealer in Potsdam, NY. I believe this engine should be part of the recall!!

20250627POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact became aware that the vehicle continued to move forward while shifted into Park, Neutral, or Reverse. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating" was then illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 119,000. The contact declined to provide the VIN.

Mileage: 119,000

20250430POWER TRAIN

The contact's wife owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a tune up. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle and driving, the transmission was slipping in and out of gear. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved; however, the vehicle hesitated to respond, and the vehicle jerked while responding. The contact stated that the vehicle slowly picked up speed, and the transmission was slipping in and out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his wife had noticed that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,267.

Mileage: 107,267

20250325UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hello, I’m calling about the GM transmission recall recently announced in March 2025 affecting 2020 Yukon vehicles. My Yukon experienced what I believe is the exact same issue described in the recall. Our vehicle lost forward gears and almost caused a crash. A certified mechanic confirmed the transmission fluid was burnt and full of clutch material, with internal transmission damage. We are asking for this to be handled under the recall, as the issue directly matches GM’s known safety defect. We need this resolved immediately — the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the failure happened before we even knew about the recall. Our GMC Mechanic stated the following : Needs immediate attention Recommended service Transmission: test drove verified no forward gears after 3 minutes of driving. fluid brown and burnt full of clutch material. internal damage to transmission. A transmission flush is a process that makes it possible to clear the old transmission fluid from the vehicle's tran

20250301POWER TRAIN

Vehicle started jumping and switched into 4WD while reversing. There was no inclement weather or slipping to prompt this. Service 4WD warning had been showing intermittently for a week or two and service appointment had been scheduled. At service appointment, confirmed that 4WD switch was faulty and needed to be replaced.

20250115POWER TRAIN

6L80 transmission complete failure while driving. Vehicle started shacking then check engine light came on .

20240626FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the fuel filler neck was not allowing fuel to flow into the tank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel filler neck. The contact was informed that the fuel tank filler assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Mileage: 42,000

20240523POWER TRAIN

Shortly after the warranty expired my torque converter went out and damaged the transmission. After speaking with several transmission shops this is a known problem with this vehicle! The torque converter and transmission are poorly made, and no matter if you get all of your services this will still happen to you! This should be a recall on this vehicle. Less than 4 years old and I am having to spend over $5,000 to replace a transmission. The vehicle just hit 100,000 miles. If this is a known issue with this vehicle why has it not been recalled? The dealership tried to tell me I just needed battery cables replaced. I decided to get a second and third opinion and as I suspected the transmission is gone. There were NO warning lights, the car just suddenly started not wanting to change gears while driving. At the red light it jumped and wouldn’t move which made the car behind me almost hit me. There were no other symptoms until the gears started not wanting to change.

20231115POWER TRAIN

2020 GMC Yukon transmission failed at 103.000 miles

20230725SERVICE BRAKES

Ambient temp was 100 degrees for reference. Had been driving about 5 hours. Went to stop and had no power assist for brakes. This continued for at least 20 miles. Stopped and confirmed vac hose was connected. I tried to remove vac hose to check for vac at booster but was afraid I might break the part. Electrical plug at vac hose booster connection was secure. Continued driving and it began to work again. Condition: brake pedal took considerable foot pressure to apply brakes. Zero power brake assist was available. My qualifications; a past ASE master teck.

20230709ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Transmission slipping and damage

Compare 2020GMCYUKON to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 GMC YUKON have?
The 2020 GMC YUKON has 27 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 GMC YUKON?
The 2020 GMC YUKON received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 GMC YUKON?
Yes, the 2020 GMC YUKON has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is TIRES. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC YUKON?
The most-complained component for the 2020 GMC YUKON is POWER TRAIN with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2020 GMC YUKON safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 GMC YUKON has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.